Machine for making insoles



Patented Jan. 1, 1924.

UNITED STATES GEORGE H. BLACK, OF ROCHESTER, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO UNITED SHOE MACHIN- ERY CORPORATION, OF PATERSON, NEW JERSEY, A CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY.

MAC HINT FOR MAKING INSOLES.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, GEORGE H. BLACK, a citizen of the United States, residing at Rochester, in the county of Monroe and State of New York, have invented certain Improvements in Machines for Making Insoles, of which the following description, in connection with the accompanying draw-- ings, is a specification, like reference characters on the drawings indicating like parts in the several figures.

The present invention relates to machines for preparing shoe soles having sewing ribs to which the shoe uppers are sewn and it is herein illustrated in its applicability to the preparation of insoles, for welt shoes and of the type known as Economy insoles.

It is an object of the present invention to provide novel means for strengthening the sewing ribs of insoles better to withstand the upper sewing and the welting operations and for accurately and uniformly shaping the sewing ribs whereby the subsequent shoemaking operations are improved and the desired neat and stylish appearance of the shoe obtained. The invention has been employed with especially important advantages in the production of womens high grade shoes which, in accordance with'the present trade demands, must have very narrow pointed toes and an appearance of lightness at the toeof the shoe. One of the chief difficulties experienced in making such shoes is that encountered in channeling the insole around the toe so as to provide the necessarystrength for the sewing rib to offset the closely adjacent perforations made'by the awl and sewing needle in attaching the welt and upper to the insole. In the use of the medium grades of insole stock this difficulty is greatly increased and prior to the introduction of this invention it has been common practice to sew the upper and welt to the insole around the toe entirely by hand at considerable expense. Also it is extremely diflicult, if not impossible, to locate the inseam stitches sutiiriently low on the sewing rib to enable the inseam to draw the upper and welt into the angle of the rib and the feather and provide the desired closed welt crease around the toe. Moreover, when the stitches are located high onthe sewingribthe- 'With these difiiculties in mind the pres I ent invention aims to prepare the sewing rib of the sole for a subsequent'upper attaching operation by the application of a concentrated pressure upon the sole stock alon a line extending around the toe at the base or root of the sewing rib on its inner side in directions both to compress the stock laterally and to depress the stock at the said base of the sewing rib. In this manner the stock constituting the sewing rib and through which the sewing instrumentalities pass is firmly and solidly compacted so as to offer maximum strength. In a ,multi-ply structure of insole such as herein illustrated, this application of concentrated pressure serves to force the several layers into a unitary and compact body with precision and uniformity. The depression of the stock adjacent to the inner side of the sewing rib results in a lowering of the surface of the insole relatively to the surface of the feather of the insole so that the inseam stitches may be readily located at the base of the rib which enables the'upper materials to be drawn more tightly into the outside angle of the sewing rib and the sole feather.

The means provided by this invention for applying the pressure in the manner above described, as herein illustrated, comprise opposedzsewlng r b molding and shaping -members constructed and arranged to engage the rib on the inner and outer sides of the base or root of the rub and means for relatively moving these members to depress the sole stock at the inner base'of the rib and to compress the stock laterally at the said base of the rib.

Another important feature of the invention consists in the provision of means constructed and arranged to lower the face of the sole at the inside and base of the sewing rib by compression. This provides a low seat for the inseam at'the inner side of the rib wlthout weakening the lnsole and contributes to the low sewing of the seam. This shaping of the insoleisefi'ected by a pressing member shaped to fit the toe inside the rib and relieved centrally on its lower face to concentrate thebearing of the edge portion of said face upon the stock at the root of the rib.

Moreover, the invention comprises also certain other combinations and arrangements of parts and features of construction as hereinafter described.

The several features of the invention will more fully appear from the following description and accompanying drawings of a preferred embodiment of the invention and will then be pointed out in the claims.

Fig. 1 of the drawings is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of the invention, the machine being open so that an insole may be put into place therein.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of the shaping instrumentalities and an insole under treatment.

Fig. 3 shows the forepart of a pointed-toe insole before treatment.

Fig. t shows the same after treatment.

The machine or apparatus comprises a base plate 2 adapted to rest on a bench and provided with ribs a supporting removable 'gilos 5 to provide a seat for work support 6 which is recessed in its upper face to a depth equal to the thickness of the feather of the insoles to be treated, the recess being shaped to receive the toe end of the insole. The gibs also provide a slideway for a forked rib-shaping member 10 movable in close sliding contact over the insole feather and against the outer side of the sewing rib. The toe support 6 and the shaping member 10 are readily removable and replaceable by similar parts of shapes adapted for different insole toes. The shaping member 10 is connected by a link 12 with an operating hand lever '18 by which said member may be forcibly advanced over the feather of the insole to iron it down at the outer base of the sewing rib (particularly if the feather is cut on a bevel) and to-shape the sewing rib to the predetermined outline or pattern of the acting edge of said member.

The machine further comprises a triangular form or inner shaping member 15 removably secured to a plunger 16. Form 15 accurately its the inner side of the sewing rib in the intended position and shape of the rib and su oorts the rib a ainst the moldin l b a or sha ing thrust of the menrber 10. On its lower l -ace the form 15 is relieved in the center, or recessed, so that the downwardly extending margin thus formed will enter the channel, produced by the, upturning of the inner lip or channel flap which is cut around the margin of the insole, with the result that the downward pressure'of the form is concentrated along a line at the inner base of the sewing rib. Fig. 2 illustrates the preferred formation of the lower face of the form 15 to gain the compressive action referred to but any format-ion through which the form is enabled to exert pressure. along a narrow surface at the root of the channel and ust adjacent the lnner side of the rib wlll be effective. The form and plunger are operated by a lever 18 and connection 20 to a foot treadle to apply heavy downward pressure tor depressing and compacting the insole stock along a line at theinner base of usual, the sewing rib comprises a plurality of )lies of stock as one or two has of leather 1 and one or more thicknesses of remforcmg fabric, the action of this apparatus in compacting and molding the rib stock into a multi-ply structure imparts strength to the rib as well as shapes it with exactness and uniformity to the precise outline desired for the inseam, The arrangement by which the shaping members 10 and 15 act upon the stock atth'e root of the rib at both its inner and outer bases affords particular efficiency in shaping and molding the rib so that the inseam can be sewn low, making it possibleto obtain a closed welt crease and a thin, graceful toe on womens pointedtoel'ight shoes.

In order that the finished shoe may closely follow the lines of the last, as intended by the shoe designer, and present a stylish and graceful appearance it is extremely impor-' hint that the sewingrib o'f'the insole should be made very accurately and uniformly since it is the position of the sewing rib which eventually gives the shoe the desired appearance.

lVit-h the present practice of making in additional soles it is necessary to temper, as with water,

the insole stock to enable it to be channeled to form the sewing rib. The channeling operation, however, tends to distort the stool; when in tempered condition and in the drying out of the sole the sewing rib is further distorted by shrinkage. The rib sets in this condition. When the shoe upper and welt are attached to the sewing rib in this condition the upper and welt, of course, do not follow the intended lines. Moreover, when the shoe upper is lasted'to a distorted sewing rib the lasting wipers which are intend ed to conform accurately to the lines of the last at the toe can not wipe the upper against the sewing rib as they should with the re suit that in the subsequent- ;welti-ng operation the shoe upperand welt can not be properly inseamed. By molding and shaping the sewing rib, particularly at the toe where the ing operation isfacilitated and the shoe upper and welt are enabled to follow the'lines intended for them in the finished shoe.

A gas burner 25 is shown by which the shaping plate 15 can be heated. The plunger 16 is normally pressed up in its guideway in the frame by a spring 26. The support 28 for the body portion of the insole is attached to the base plate 2 separately to permit substitution of a different toe support 6, and the supports 6 and 28 are spaced apart to present a finger recess for the operators convenience in applying and removing insoles;

According to the preferred 1113111181 of using the machine, the operator stands at the left of the machine and thrusts the insole endwise with his left hand to force the feather at the toe into the recess of the upper face of the support 6, and then uses the foot treadle to depress the shaping form 15 into the toe of the insole, depressing the insole stock along the inner base of the rib and positioning said form to cooperate with the forked rib-shaping member 10 which is then advanced by the lever 13 in the right hand of the operator.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the toe lip-shaping operation herein described may be performed on various types of welt insoles with attainment of the beneficial results referred to, and the invention is not confined, therefore, to operating upon the Economy type of welt insole shown in the illustrations.

The novel method of making insoles which forms a part of the invention is not claimed herein since this feature of the invention forms the subject matter of a divisional application, Serial No. 449,669, filed March 5,

Having explained the nature of the invention, I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States:

1. In an insole machine, the combination with a work support, of a shaping member formed and arranged to engage the inner face of the sewing rib at the end and sides of the toe and relieved on its bottom face to concentrate the bearing of that face upon the stock at the root of the rib, and means to operate said member and support rela tively to depress the stock at the root of the rib to provide a low seat for the welt attaching seam.

2. In aninsole machine, the combination with a work support, of a shaping member formed and arranged to engage the inner face of the sewing rib at the end and sides of the toe and relieved on its bottom face to concentrate the bearing of that face upon the stock at the base of the rib, and means for laterally compressing the stock at the base of the rib.

8. In an insole machine, the combination with a work support, of shaping means conthe base of the ribwhile the downward presstructed and arranged: to operate simultaneously upon an extended line around the apex of the angle at the inner baseof the sewing rib at the toe, and mechanism to operate said support and means relatively to lower by stock compressive action that portion of the surface of the insole which is just adjacent said inner base.

4. 111 an'insole machine, the combination with a work support, of shaping means constructed and arranged to operate simultaneously upon an extended line'a'round the apex of the angle at the inner base of the sewing rib at the toe, mechanism to operate said support and means relatively to lower by stock compressive action that portion of the surface of the insole which is just adjacent said inner base of the rib, said means having an upright rib supporting walhand cooperating rib shaping means embracing the toe and mounted for operation to compress the sewing rib laterally.

5. In an insole machine, the combination with a work support, of co-operating means to compress the insole stock vertically down along a narrow surface in theapex of the angle at the inner base of the sewing rib, and means to compress the stock laterally at sure is continued;

6. In a machine for perfecting the sewing rib of a welt insole, the combination with a support for the insole, of a member shaped to engage and fill the angle inside the rib at the end of the toe having its bottom face cut away in the middle to concentrate pressure upon the insole at the base of the rib, and a co-operating forked rib embracing member movable approximately in the plane of the feather to compact the rib stock at the base of the rib against the inside member.

7. In a machine for perfecting the sewing" rib of a welt insole,'a work support, an anvil member contoured to fit within the rib of a pointed toe and having 'abottom face shaped to enter the inner channel from which a lip has been turned up and to 'en-. gage the rib stock at the root of the rib, and a co-operating toe embracing member movable to operate upon the rib stock at the root of the rib to compress it. p

8. In a machine for perfecting the sewing rib of a welt insole, a support for the body portion of the insole, a support for the toe of the insole having a recess in its upper face of adepth substantially equal tothe thickness of the feather of the insole, a

forked rib shaping member movable ap- '9, In a machinefor perfecting the sewing rib of a'welt insole having a channel inside sewing rib around the toe and movable relatively to the support to engage the insole approximately in the plane of its feather, a form shaped to fill the space inside the rib at-the-toe and to engage the base of the rib at the bottom of said channel when in contact with the sewing rib, treadle-connected means to operate the form vertically while the insole is free to be moved rearwardly to fibutl'le sewing rib to the contour of said form, and handrleveiwcontrolled means to operate the outside embracing member to compress the rib stockhorizontally a-gainst the inside member.

10. In a machine for perfecting the sew.- ing rib of a welt insole having a channel inside said sewing rib, the combination with a support for the toe portion of the insole, of a member shaped to embrace the sewing rib around the toe and movable relatively to the support to engage the insole approximately in the plane of its feather, a 'member shaped to fill the space inside the rib at the toe and to engage the base of the rib at the bottom of said channel when in contact with the sewing rib, and means under control of the operative for actuating each of said members repeatedly as required to give to each insole the individual treatment required for it.

11. In a machine for perfecting the sowing rib or a welt insole having a channel inside said sewing rib, the combination with a support for the toe portion of the insole, of a :member shaped to embrace the sewing rib around the toe and movable relatively to the support to engage the insole approximately in the plane of its feather, a member shaped to fill the space inside the rib at the toe and to engage the 'base of the rib at the bottom oi said channel when in contact with the sewing rib, and means for relatively operating said two members to compress and compact the rib stock at the base of the rib.

12. A pressing form for welt insole pre' paring machines having a contour to fit within the space bounded by the sewing rib at the toe, and an insole engaging face shaped to concentrate the-pressure along the root of the rib.

A pressing form for welt insole preparing machines having a contour to lit within the space bounded by the sewing rib at the toe oi an insole and. hav'ingan insoleengaging race which projects downwardly at its edges adjacent to the rib beyond the portion of said face within said edges, whereby the pressure exerted by the peripheral portion of the form maybe greater than that exerted by the interior thereof.

14:. A pressing form for welt insole prcpai ing machines triangular in plan to fit within the space bounded by the sewing rib at the toe, vand having an under-face comprising a central portion and a marginal portion sloping downwardly and outwardly therefrom along each leg of the triangle.

15. A toe shaping machine for welt insoles having, in combination, a flattable for supportin the 'forep art of a sole, a toe for-m generally triangular in plan having its sole engaging face recessed to provide for a concentrated pressure at the base of the sewing rib about the toe, and means for exerting such pressure through the form.

16. A toe shaping machine'ior welt insoles having, in combination, a form shaped to fill thespace within the sewing rib at the end oft-he insole and having its sole engaging "face relieved centrally to concentrate the pressure (at the rootof the rib, a flat table for supporting the forepart of an insole beneath said form, pressure means for bringing said form into engagement with the insole, and pressure means for shaping the sewing rib against the edge ofsaid form.

17. A pressing form for welt insole preparing machines, wedge-shaped in plan to fit within the sewing rib at the toe of a pointeditoe insole provided with a channel within said rib, and having an under surface recessed to provide for a seating of the edge of the form in said channel regardless of the higher plane of the insole face within said channel.

18, In a machine for perfecting the sewing rib of a welt insole, a rig-id sole supporting table, a forked rib shaping member mounted directly on said table in position to receive the feather of the insole beneath it and the sewing rib at the'toe within it, a wedgeshaped rib-shaping form supported above the table,and means for yieldinglypositioning the form within the rib at the toe and for squeezing the rib between said two rib-shaping elements to. cause it to conform to the contour of theopposed faces thereof.

19. A machine for-moulding the toe-por- ,tion of the sewing rib of welt insoles of the type in which vthe rib is formed by channeling the margin and upturning the lip thus produced having, lILCOlDlOlDELtlOD, a rigid support for the insole,a pair or" complemenfor supporting the insole with its rib at the toe between said members, one of the latter being carried by the frameof the machine and the other resting upon but movable along the table toward the other member to mold said rib held by the table between said complemental members, and devices through which said movement may be imparted to said movable member.

21. In a machine of the character described, a pair of complemental molding members for shaping the sewing rib of the insole at the toe end thereof, a rigid table for supporting the insole with its rib at the toe between said members, one of the latter being carried by the frame of the machine and the other directly by said table, said members being also constructed and arranged for relative movement in the direction of both the thickness and the length of .6 the insole, and devices through which said relative movement may be imparted to said members.

22. In a machine of the character described, a support for an insole, a pair of complemental molding members for shaping the sewing rib of the insole at the toe end thereof, one of said members being forked and mounted on said support and also being spaced from the sole engaging surface of said support a predetermined distance sufiicient to receive the feather of the insole, said members being constructed and arranged for relative movement in the direction of both the thickness and the length of the insole,

and devices through which said relative movement may be imparted to said members;

23. In a machine of the character de scribed, a pair of complemental molding members for shaping the sewing rib of an insole at the toe end thereof, a rigid table for supporting the insole with its rib at the.toe between said members and provided with a guideway in which one of said members is movable toward and from the other in a path parallel to but spaced from the sole supporting surface of the table, the other molding member being movable toward and from the table in the direction of the thickness of the insole, and devices through which said relative movements may be imparted to said molding members. 7

24. In a machine for molding the toe portion of the sewing rib of welt insoles of the type in which the rib includes a lip upturned from the channelled margin of the insole, a rigid support for the insole, a pair of complemental rib molding members, one movable toward and from said support and shaped to fill the space within the rib at the toe and the other mounted directly on and in fixed vertical relation to said support and in position to receive the feather of the in sole beneath it and the sewing rib at the toe within it, means for applying heat to the inner member while in retracted position, means for seating the inner member in position within the rib, and devices through which relative movements may be imparted to said molding members to mold the toe portion of the rib between them.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification.

GEORGE H. BLACK. 

